Kampala, Uganda | The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) on Thursday, 24th July 2025, held a colourful retirement ceremony in honour of long-serving staff member Joseph Jones Ogwal, whose early exit marks the end of an era in the company’s leadership.
Organised by the Human Resource Department and held at Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz in Naguru, the farewell function brought together senior management, staff, and invited guests to celebrate Ogwal’s contribution to the power transmission sector.
Ogwal, who voluntarily retired ten years ahead of the mandatory retirement age, explained that his decision was intentional and aimed at meeting the eligibility requirements set by the Electoral Commission for political candidates.
He is the newly elected NRM flag bearer for the Dokolo North parliamentary seat in the 2026 general elections.
In his remarks, Ogwal encouraged staff to cultivate a mindset that looks beyond the confines of monthly salaries.
He urged colleagues to define personal visions early in their careers and to treat retirement not as an end, but as a new chapter for making meaningful impact in their communities.
He noted that delaying retirement planning often results in avoidable hardship, and stressed the value of passion and long-term thinking in building a strong professional legacy.
He revealed that he had personally set his retirement goal for his early 50s and was satisfied that he had achieved it.
He rated his service at UETCL at 99% and said his next chapter would focus on leadership and community transformation in his home district of Dokolo.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Richard Matsiko commended Ogwal for his outstanding service and encouraged other staff to begin planning for life after employment.
He emphasized that retirement should be seen as a smooth transition rather than a crisis.
Matsiko advised employees to establish sustainable income-generating ventures early, avoid emotional investment decisions, and ensure they only engage in enterprises they fully understand.
He also urged staff to acquire practical and scalable skills that could sustain them beyond their formal employment.
Halima Namatovu, Head of Human Resources, described retirement as an inevitable phase that is better faced with readiness than surprise.
She noted that many employees postpone retirement planning until it is too late, which often leads to stress and confusion.
Namatovu advised staff to start preparing at least five years before their retirement date and to utilise the various planning resources provided by the company.
Godfrey Masaba from the Environment Department applauded Ogwal for his integrity, leadership, and technical expertise.
He credited Ogwal with steering UETCL through key environmental and social compliance challenges, thereby helping the company avoid costly regulatory delays.
Masaba described Ogwal as a dependable, professional team player whose contributions significantly shaped the institution’s success.
